How to Make the Perfect Rainbow Pasta Salad
Italian-American · Easy · 20 min · 6 servings
This vibrant pasta salad is loaded with colorful vegetables and tossed in a simple Italian dressing that kids find irresistible. It is a great make-ahead lunch that stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Why this recipe works
This Rainbow Pasta Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 0.5 cup black olives sliced
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons Italian dressing
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the rotini pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into small cubes, and slice the black olives so all the pieces are bite-sized and easy for kids to manage.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the cooled pasta, all the prepared vegetables, and the shredded mozzarella to a large mixing bowl, then pour the Italian dressing over everything and toss gently until well combined.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together, then toss once more before portioning into bowls.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- rotini pasta → penne or bowtie pasta
- Italian dressing → ranch dressing or a simple olive oil and lemon squeeze
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing the pasta after cooking which causes it to stick together and become clumpy
- Adding the dressing while the pasta is still warm which makes the salad soggy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 10g protein, 38g carbs, 10g fat, 4g fiber.
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